by Kathy Van Peteghem
As an avid gardener, you learn to observe the cycles of the season and learn to adapt to what each season brings forth. Every garden year is unique. It is full of challenges. Physically, a garden provides a good workout. Mentally it teaches the gardener tolerance, creativity, flexibility, and a keen sense of awareness within its surroundings. Spiritually, it inspires gratitude and appreciation for the elements of sunlight, rain, wind, thunder/lightning (nitrogen), and the miracles of each season necessary for the garden to be alive and flourish.
As one year concludes and another year begins, many of us will be conscious of what is currently working or not working in our lives. Some will set resolutions, some will set goals, while others will transform in all areas of body, mind, and spirit.
If this is the case, let’s consider some steps for “growing” a better YOU in 2024 by applying some garden wisdom:
- Dig up the dirt.
Make room. Start by removing the weeds in your life that limit growth. This can be buried grudges, stressful traumas, negative beliefs about our true selves, and fears of not being good enough. To have a good foundation, one must tend to the dirt of life. Prepare the soil and restore its balance so it can receive and be ready for the next cycle of gardening.
- Fertilize the dirt!
Once the dirt is cleared of the old debris and decay, it is time to feed, compost, and fertilize it. This is a good time to focus on ways to enhance and fortify. Positive thoughts, meditation, learning new concepts, improving personal skill sets and building that confidence that you are worthy allow for opportunities and growth.
- Plant seeds that resonate with you, the gardener.
Be discerning when planting your seeds. They should be high-quality, unique seeds that fit your garden. Some gardeners plant seeds but do not like to eat what they planted. They just planted them because. Be mindful of the selected time you plant the seeds and their location. Too early, the seeds will not grow due to harsh conditions such as cold and lack of warming sun; too shallow, the seeds will be eaten by the birds or unable to establish a robust root system. If you plant seeds that require full sun in a shady spot, they will not thrive to their fullest potential. Also, it is important to consider seed pairing combinations. Some seeds complement and support each other if planted near each other, whereas other pairs will be competitive and may even bring in predators not friendly to one or the other seed. Choose to plant those seeds of love, joy, forgiveness, harmony, and peace. When faced with challenges from unseen events, Be patient yet persistent. Planted seeds need sunlight, rainwater, nourishment, and love to grow. When conditions are met, the plants are fully alive and flourishing and resist the forces that would destroy them by keeping them from growing into the plants they were destined to be.
- Harvest with gratitude and love.
When the time is right, that one planted seed will transition, push through the struggles, find balance and support, and be transformed into a plant offering so much more than when it was a dormant single seed. We inspire others to grow to their full potential as we work to improve ourselves. The garden of life is a beautiful place where divine love and each of us can co-create and manifest our highest potential.
May your 2024 garden be a living, thriving, beautiful masterpiece.
by Kathy Van Peteghem
Kathy Van Peteghem enjoys the creative side that embraces the body, mind, and spirit. She is a writer, photographer, musician, artist, gardener-herbalist, and nature lover who releases a stressful day with tap dancing and Gi-gong. She loves living life from the heart and hopes to inspire others to do the same.ktvan@comcast.net
